GNA Sleeper Remediation Project

Project Detail

Consolidated Group of Companies delivered a complex environmental remediation project across a remote rail network in the Pilbara, focused on the safe removal, handling and disposal of legacy timber railway sleepers and associated waste materials. These sleepers, historically treated with hazardous substances including coal tar and organochloride pesticides, required specialised handling and disposal in accordance with strict environmental regulations and contaminated waste classifications.

The scope involved identifying, collecting, bundling and transporting sleepers from multiple locations along the rail corridor, including isolated and difficult-to-access areas.

Materials were consolidated, re-strapped into compliant loads and transported via controlled haulage routes to licensed disposal facilities. Additional waste streams including ash, steel scrap, redundant rail infrastructure and culvert materials were also recovered and processed as part of the program.

Operations were executed in a live rail and remote environment, requiring detailed planning around access constraints, traffic management, and journey management protocols. The project utilised a combination of excavators, loaders, skid steers and heavy haulage fleets, supported by trained operators, spotters and supervisors to maintain strict exclusion zones and line-of-fire controls during all lifting and loading activities. Specific methodologies were implemented to manage stored energy risks and prevent uncontrolled movement of materials during sleeper handling and extraction activities.

A strong focus was placed on safety, compliance and environmental management throughout delivery. Works were undertaken under a comprehensive HSE framework, including Construction Risk Assessments (CRAW), Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), fatigue management, and continuous hazard reporting processes. All transport activities were carried out by licensed contaminated waste carriers, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and traceability of materials from source to final disposal facility.

The project also demonstrated our capability to manage complex logistics across remote regions, including coordination of plant, personnel, subcontractors and transport movements over long distances. Through structured planning, controlled execution and strong field leadership, the team successfully reduced environmental risk while delivering a safe and efficient remediation outcome.